Tag Archives: Cusco

I traveled to Peru In September of 2009, and took part in a Gate 1 Travel guided tour. It was my first trip to South America and I was so excited! By the time I departed I’d been planning and doing research for about three months, and couldn’t wait to experience the country for myself. My preparations paid off – and I also had good luck. My trip was fantastic, and virtually everything went smoothly. No sickness or other calamities befell me, and I’ll always look back on this trip with wonder and gratitude. My tour director, Lucero, was great and I thank her for herding our group through her home country with such care and attention to detail.

Not counting the days I flew in and out of Peru, I was there for seven days. The time flew by, and I wish I could’ve stayed longer. I hope to return one day, as there is still so much left to see (the Amazon, Nazca, the coastal region), but it was a great introduction to Peru. What a charming, colorful, and unique country! The history was fascinating, the textiles were mind-boggling, and the food was tasty. Oh, and the scenery? Stupendous! I was in heaven, taking in the incredible stone work at Machu Picchu, the lush vegetation in the mountains, the cracked adobe dwellings in the Andes, and the deep blue water of Lake Titicaca.

I took hundreds of photos, but will only share a few. Here’s a brief photo diary of my trip to Peru.

San Francisco Church and Convent

This church, located in Lima, is famous for its catacombs full of bones. It made me a bit nervous to go down into the catacombs – not because of the bones, but because Lima is in an earthquake zone!

Cusco – 11,203 feet Above Sea Level

When we landed in Cusco, in the Andes, I could definitely feel a difference in the altitude. My heart was beating more quickly – like I was exercising, though I was just walking in the airport!

The Sacred Valley & A Little Llama

The Sacred Valley was gorgeous, and I made a friend. It was my first llama sighting and contact!

Friendly Locals & Gorgeous Textiles

We stopped at a weaving cooperative near Chinchero. Peruvian textiles are mouth-wateringly beautiful.

Chinchero Market

The Chinchero market was incredible. I felt as though I’d stepped into the pages of National Geographic!

Back in Cusco, I enjoyed Qorikancha, the cathedral, and the Plaza de Armas. I met this gentleman near the Plaza. Such a wonderful face and such colorful hats!

Sky High – 14,200 Feet Above Sea Level

This is what 14,200 feet above sea level looks like. I was moving my flatlander self around carefully!

Lake Titicaca

We visited the Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca – amazing! People live on floating islands made of tortura reeds, and it was fascinating to get a glimpse of their way of life.

Coolest Boat Ride Ever…

Yes, I was a really happy camper. I LOVE to travel! And riding on a boat handmade from tortura reeds was pret-ty fantastic.

Return to Lima

We ended our tour where it began – Lima. After some shopping at the Indian Market I finally tried some of Lima’s world-famous ceviche and understand what all the fuss is about. It was delectable! I recommend Alfresco if you’re in Lima and want some great ceviche.

Please post a comment if you have any questions about Peru and my adventures there. It’s an incredible destination. And though you’ll want to be prepared and a bit cautious, you’ll be fine if you read a few guide books and/or visit Lonely Planet’s website. It’s well worth the effort. Viva Peru!

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My name is Melody M. Nuñez - I’m an artist, a writer, and an art teacher. To learn more about me and the book I published - An Altered Existence: Fictitious Stories About Faces from the Past - please view the “About” & "Book" pages…